Navigating Graduation at Dallas College: A Comprehensive Guide to Application Requirements

Graduation marks a significant milestone in a student's academic journey. At Dallas College, understanding the graduation application requirements is crucial for a smooth and successful completion of your program. This article provides a detailed overview of the process, deadlines, and essential information to help you navigate your graduation journey with confidence.

Understanding the Basics of Graduation at Dallas College

Graduation signifies that your academic record officially reflects the fulfillment of all requirements for your chosen program of study. The graduation ceremony is a celebratory event acknowledging this accomplishment. However, participation in the commencement exercises does not guarantee the awarding of a certificate and/or degree.

Key Requirements for Graduation

To be eligible for graduation, several key requirements must be met:

Program Completion: You must have completed all the necessary coursework and requirements for your specific degree or certificate program.
Dallas College Coursework: At least 25% of your program must be completed through college-level courses taken at Dallas College. For students pursuing multiple associate degrees, a minimum of 15 credit hours must be unique to each degree.
Unique Coursework for Multiple Credentials: If you are pursuing a second degree or certificate, at least 25% of the courses must be unique to that degree and not part of any previously completed degree at Dallas College.
Eligible Program of Study: Federal law mandates that you must be enrolled in an eligible program of study to receive financial aid. Failure to declare a degree or certificate program will result in a hold on all financial aid awards until a program is selected via eConnect's "My Program of Study" section. Choose your program carefully.
Current Catalog Eligibility: You must be eligible for a current catalog for a degree to be awarded.

The Graduation Application Process

Applying for graduation is a critical step in the process. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:

When to Apply

Timing: You should apply for graduation at the beginning of the semester when you register for the last classes required for your degree. It's wise to consult with your success coach to ensure you're enrolling in the correct courses.
Deadline: The graduation application deadline is the last day of the semester in which you intend to graduate. This includes the winter term (included in the spring semester) and the May term (included in the summer semester). Summer graduates have until the last day of the second summer term to apply.
Submission: Submit the graduation application only for the term you are completing your degree or certificate requirements.

How to Apply

Application Form: A Degree Application Form is required for graduation.
Online Submission: Fill out the graduation application, ensuring all information is accurate and complete.

The Degree Audit Process

A degree audit is a comprehensive review of your academic record to confirm that you have satisfied all graduation requirements for your program. This includes verifying that transfer courses and any approved substitutions have been correctly applied to your program. Degree audit specialists meticulously review your academic record to ensure all degree and certificate requirements are met. This process occurs every fall, spring, and summer semester. During the semester, degree audit specialists will monitor your progress toward completing your degree or certificate.

What Happens After You Apply?

Review and Awarding of Degrees

Eligibility Review: After the last day of the term, applicants are reviewed for eligibility.
Timing of Awarding: Degrees are awarded at the end of the full semester, starting in December for fall graduates, May for spring graduates, and August for summer graduates.
Official Posting: Your degree will be officially posted to your academic record after the last day of the semester. Due to the high volume of degrees awarded by Dallas College each semester, it may take six to eight weeks for your degree to be posted.
Awarding Timeline: If you have met all requirements, your degree will be awarded for the semester in which you submit your graduation application. Note that degrees are not awarded until after the end of the semester, even if you completed all requirements in a previous semester.

Special Circumstances and Considerations

Name Changes

If your name has changed, it's essential to update your records before ordering your diploma. Contact an admissions office to complete the name change process.

Diploma Replacements

If you require a replacement diploma, the fee is $25. You must pay the fee to the Business Office and include a notarized statement explaining why a replacement is needed. Orders are processed only upon receipt of a copy of the receipt, the notarized statement, and the completed diploma replacement form.

Honors and Recognition

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members will receive a PTK seal on their diploma, but only for associate degrees.

Graduation Ceremony

The annual graduation ceremony is held at the conclusion of the spring semester. Students completing their certificate/degree requirements in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semester of the same academic year are eligible to participate in the May graduation/commencement. To participate, a Graduation Application must be submitted by the posted deadline. Submitting a graduation application does not automatically confirm your participation in the annual graduation ceremony.

Regalia

Master's students need to purchase a cap, gown, and tassel online. Doctoral regalia can be borrowed from the provost's office.

Read also: DCS Tuition Information

Key Deadlines and Dates

Graduation Application Deadline: The last day of each semester.
Winter Term: Included in the spring semester.
May Term: Included in the summer semester.
Summer Graduates Deadline: The last day of the second summer term.

Financial Aid Implications

Federal law requires students to be enrolled in an eligible program of study to receive financial aid. If a student has not declared a degree or certificate program on their academic record, all financial aid awards will be put on hold until they choose their program of study. Students can select a program of study by logging on to eConnect and visiting My Program of Study.

Additional Information for Graduate Students

Graduate students must complete all work, including theses and dissertations, by a specific date. Students cannot list a course with an "I" (incomplete) for the grade and must have at least a 3.0 GPA. Graduate Readings or Doctoral Readings require the use of a Registration Form.

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